I think things are starting to change for inline skating at USARS and FIRS. The event was absolutely wonderful at Worlds, and the inline event was scheduled in PRIME TIME – with an arena holding at least as many (maybe more) people than finals night for the quad events. Thanks to new equipment and wheels from several manufacturers, the entire group of competitors looked better than last season and many had content comparable in quality to the other events (longer spins, more class “A” elements, etc.) ...possibly because of new developments in equipment. The boot vendors, and equipment manufacturers’ booths showed more inline choices (also seen in the event) than ever before.

But wait, there's more! I’ve only been back for a few days and have already had several inquiries about inline frames from coaches and RINK OPERATORS. And the coaches I talked to are even “planning” to have inline specific skaters and start them young... instead of thinking about it as an alternate or plan “B” event.

That is good news. Hopefully it is because people are seeing that inlines do have a future instead of a past.

Joe Kaplenk

Quote:

Originally Posted by filmsk8r

I think things are starting to change for inline skating at USARS and FIRS. The event was absolutely wonderful at Worlds, and the inline event was scheduled in PRIME TIME – with an arena holding at least as many (maybe more) people than finals night for the quad events. Thanks to new equipment and wheels from several manufacturers, the entire group of competitors looked better than last season and many had content comparable in quality to the other events (longer spins, more class “A” elements, etc.) ...possibly because of new developments in equipment. The boot vendors, and equipment manufacturers’ booths showed more inline choices (also seen in the event) than ever before.

But wait, there's more! I’ve only been back for a few days and have already had several inquiries about inline frames from coaches and RINK OPERATORS. And the coaches I talked to are even “planning” to have inline specific skaters and start them young... instead of thinking about it as an alternate or plan “B” event.

I think things are starting to change for inline skating at USARS and FIRS. The event was absolutely wonderful at Worlds, and the inline event was scheduled in PRIME TIME – with an arena holding at least as many (maybe more) people than finals night for the quad events. Thanks to new equipment and wheels from several manufacturers, the entire group of competitors looked better than last season and many had content comparable in quality to the other events (longer spins, more class “A” elements, etc.) ...possibly because of new developments in equipment. The boot vendors, and equipment manufacturers’ booths showed more inline choices (also seen in the event) than ever before.

But wait, there's more! I’ve only been back for a few days and have already had several inquiries about inline frames from coaches and RINK OPERATORS. And the coaches I talked to are even “planning” to have inline specific skaters and start them young... instead of thinking about it as an alternate or plan “B” event.

That is brilliant news, it's very good to see some recognition for the hard work Inline Figure Skaters are putting in. I know I've been very impressed by what I've seen the Inline skaters do !

I may be a newbie to this wonderful sport, but I have followed Figure Skating on ice for a very long time (so do know a fair bit technically, f.i.; telling jumps apart and how very difficult they are to perform !) and have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend three World Figure Skating Championships in my time (as a spectator of course ). Knowing what's being done, and how difficult it is, on ice, I'm so impressed by all the incredible things I'm seeing done on Inline Skates, I would never have thought it could be possible !

It looks like I chose just the right time to come in and I for one can't wait to see what the future holds for Inline Figure Skating...

I'm off on a new adventure to see 2008 Worlds in Taiwan. I am anxious to see Vivian Moreira (Brazil) at her first worlds. I have enjoyed watching her progressive videos on Youtube.com and now finally get to see her in person. She earned a Silver Medal at the Paris Open Inline Event earlier this season... but the Gold Medalist from that event, Viviana Iparraguire (Germany), is not confirmed for Taiwan yet.

-Petra Dayney is now coaching inline freeskating, and her skater, Natalie Motley, was the US Inlne Ladies Gold medalist...
-Shauna McCullough is back for the US...
-Philip Gibson is new for the US and a lot of fun...
-Gustavo(Brazil) is defending...

[QUOTE=filmsk8r;213135]I'm off on a new adventure to see 2008 Worlds in Taiwan. I am anxious to see Vivian Moreira (Brazil) at her first worlds. I have enjoyed watching her progressive videos on Youtube.com and now finally get to see her in person. She earned a Silver Medal at the Paris Open Inline Event earlier this season... but the Gold Medalist from that event, Viviana Iparraguire (Germany), is not confirmed for Taiwan yet.

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I am green with envy - would love to be going to watch the inlines. Unfortunately Germany have decided not to select Viviana; and GB have decided to select neither Edward nor Peter Hammond. When this sport it so to speak - still in its infancy - some countries have welcomed it with open arms and embraced it - others........

No, Viviana is not selected. But she will skate in Paris again. Perhaps she will participate at the Worlds in Germany. She is 13 years now....and very amitious. And....she did a good competition at the Cup of Europe. Yes Wendy, we have the same problems